Most tourists skip Zagreb for the coast — their loss. Croatia’s capital has a different energy: Austro-Hungarian grandeur, a proper café scene, weird museums, and a nightlife that Dubrovnik can’t match. It’s also the best base for day trips to Plitvice Lakes.
Explore the Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
The medieval core above the centre. St. Mark’s Church with its colourful tiled roof, the Stone Gate with a shrine inside, the Lotrščak Tower (fire a cannon at noon, €5 entry), and quiet cobblestone streets. Walk up or take the world’s shortest funicular (30 seconds, less than €1).
Visit Dolac Market
Zagreb’s main market sits above Ban Jelačić Square. The upper level is open-air fruit, vegetables, and flowers. The indoor hall below has meat, cheese, and fish. Every morning except Sunday. Buy fresh produce, try local cheese (škripavac), and people-watch. The surrounding streets have good bakeries.
Museum of Broken Relationships
Zagreb’s most famous museum — a crowd-sourced collection of objects from failed relationships, each with a story. Funny, heartbreaking, and completely original. Entry €7. Allow 1–2 hours. On Gornji Grad, easily combined with an Upper Town walk.
Walk Tkalčićeva street
The main bar and café street, running between the Upper and Lower towns. Packed with outdoor terraces, especially on warm evenings. Not the cheapest (beer €4–5, coffee €2–3) but the atmosphere is worth it. The street was once a stream — the buildings on either side sat on different banks.
See the Cathedral
Zagreb’s neo-Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline with its twin spires. The interior is worth a quick look. The Kaptol neighbourhood around it is atmospheric — old buildings, cobblestones, and a row of cheap restaurants.
Street art in the city centre
Zagreb has a growing street art scene. The courtyards and passages between buildings (look for “prolaz” signs) often hide murals and installations. The area around Martićeva and the train station underpass have the most. Free and self-guided.
Day trip to Plitvice Lakes
Croatia’s #1 natural attraction, 2 hours south. 16 interconnected turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Entry €40 peak, timed tickets required — book ahead. A full day trip. Private transfer is the easiest way since there’s no fast public transport.
Where to eat
Zagreb is cheaper than the coast. Budget €10–15/person for a proper meal. Try štrukli (baked cheese pastry) — a Zagreb speciality. The streets around Dolac and Tkalčićeva have the best concentration of restaurants. Avoid the tourist-priced terraces on Ban Jelačić Square.
How long to stay
One night works as a stopover between the coast and Central Europe. Two nights lets you see the Upper Town, museums, and Tkalčićeva properly. Three nights if you want a Plitvice day trip.
Getting there
Zagreb connects to Split (4h) and Dubrovnik (6h) by private transfer. Also the starting point for Plitvice Lakes.
Getting to Zagreb
Private transfer with scenic stops along the way. Fixed prices, local drivers.
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